Travel Guide: Southampton To Paris

There are several ways to travel between Southampton, UK and Paris, France. The best option for you will depend on your budget, how much time you have, and your preferred mode of transport. Here are some options:

By Plane

The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 4 hours and costs between $40 and $500. You can fly from Southampton Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, with a connection.

By Train

Taking the train is another option. There is no direct train, but you can take a train from Southampton Central to London, and then another train from London to Paris. The total journey time is around 4 and a half hours, and prices start from $140.

By Bus and Ferry

The cheapest option is to take a bus, which costs between $40 and $70. However, this option takes the longest time, around 13 hours. There is no direct bus, and you will have to change in London.

You can also combine different modes of transport, such as taking a car ferry from Dover to Calais, and then driving or taking a train to Paris.

Travel by train

There is no direct train from Southampton to Paris. However, there are services that involve one change of train. The journey takes around 4 hours and 47 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 352 kilometres.

The first step is to take a train from Southampton Central Station to London Waterloo or London St. Pancras International. From there, you can take a train to Paris Nord. This journey will take approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes.

The cheapest price for a single ticket between the two cities starts from US$83.50. However, booking in advance can save you money. For example, booking 30 days in advance can cost around US$332, while booking 7 days in advance is around US$299.

On weekdays, the first train leaving Southampton is scheduled to depart at around 04:52, with the last departure at 23:08. On weekends, the first train leaves at 05:12, and the last train at 23:30. There are approximately 24 trains per day, departing every 48 minutes.

Travel by bus

The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Paris is by bus, which costs between £40-£70 for a ticket. However, this is also the longest journey, taking approximately 13 hours.

To travel by bus, you will first need to take a bus from Southampton Coach Station Harbour Parade to London Victoria. From there, you can take a bus to Paris, Quai de Bercy (Bercy Seine). This route takes between 12 and 13 hours, including transfers.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from London Victoria to Paris - Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, and then on to Aéroport CDG 1. This route takes around 12 and a half hours.

Other Options

If you would prefer a faster journey, you might consider flying, which takes around 4 hours and costs between £45-£500. You can fly from Southampton Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle.

Another option is to take the train, which takes around 4 and a half hours and costs between £140-£330. The train departs from Southampton Central Station and arrives at Paris Nord via London.

Travel by car

If you're travelling from Southampton, UK, to Paris, France, by car, there are a few different routes you can take. The most direct route is to take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, and then drive from Calais to Paris. This option typically takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day.

Alternatively, you can take a car ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk and then drive from there to Paris. This option usually takes a bit longer, around 6 hours, as you have to factor in the ferry crossing time.

If you want to avoid the Eurotunnel or ferry, you can also drive through the Channel Tunnel. This route takes you through Kent and across the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel, and then through northern France to Paris. This option usually takes around 7 hours, depending on traffic.

When planning your journey, keep in mind that driving in France requires a few additional items in your vehicle, such as a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, and a breathalyser. It's also important to note that some toll roads in France require a toll tag, which you can purchase or rent ahead of time.

Remember to take regular breaks when driving long distances, and always follow the local driving laws and speed limits to ensure a safe journey.

Travel by plane

Flying is the fastest way to travel between Southampton, UK, and Paris, France, taking approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. The journey involves a flight from Southampton Airport (SOU) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Paris Orly Airport (ORY).

To get to Southampton Airport, you can take a taxi from the Southampton Port, or use public transport. The airport is user-friendly and offers direct flights to several destinations.

When flying from Southampton to Paris, you have two main airport options in Paris: Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. Both airports provide easy access to the city centre via public transport or taxi.

Charles de Gaulle Airport is located about 25 kilometres north-east of Paris. To get to the city centre, you can take the RER B regional train, which departs from the airport every 10-15 minutes and takes about 35 minutes to reach the centre. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or an Uber, which will take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Paris Orly Airport is located about 18 kilometres south of the city centre. To reach the centre, you can take the Orlyval automatic metro line, which connects to the RER B train line. This option takes about 35 minutes. Taxis and Ubers are also readily available at the airport, with the journey to the centre taking around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

When booking your flight, it is recommended to book in advance to take advantage of lower prices. Booking 30 days in advance can offer significant savings compared to booking closer to the departure date. Additionally, consider using flight search engines like Skyscanner to find the best deals on intra-European flights.

By choosing to travel by plane between Southampton and Paris, you can enjoy a fast and efficient journey, making the most of your time in these captivating cities.

Travel by ferry

To travel from Southampton, UK, to Paris, France, by ferry, you will first need to take a ferry from the Port of Dover in the UK to Calais in France. You can drive from Southampton to the Port of Dover, or take a train to Dover and then a bus to the port.

From Calais, you can then drive to Paris, or take a train to Lille and then another train to Paris.

There are also ferries between Southampton and Caen, Cherbourg, and Le Havre in France. However, these ferries are likely to be cancelled, so it is recommended to fly or take the Eurostar train from London to Paris instead.

Frequently asked questions